thomasbeam,
First of all based upon what you paid for that Craftsman and John Deere, it sounds like the lawn tractors you are looking at(I don't find a YTH21V46 on the Huskie website, but see a YTH22V46 that has a $1599 MSRP, and I can't find online pricing for the Cub) are considerably cheaper than what you have previously purchased. If you "smoked" those two others so quickly, why are you considering less expensive mowers(aside from your intent to downsize your property and don't think you will still need a lawn tractor)? IMHO, you should be looking at Husqvarna and Cub Cadet "dealers" that carry the "better built" models that you won't find in a big box retailer. Now, user TNHusky, in recommending the YTH24K48, gives first-hand owner information of it being a very good mower and I believe that Husqvarna(all models) are the best bang for your buck out there regardless of the model. And that model is only $300 more than the one you mentioned but I'll bet it is well worth $300 more. Now if you want a Husqvarna model that will outshine the old Craftsman($2,900) and be almost as good as the John Deere($3,900), and I've never been impressed with any of the "Residential" JD's, you need to step up to the high-end Husqvarna residential units like the YT48XLS(MSRP of $2899). That's the same as you paid for the Craftsman that lasted 9 years, but I'll bet the Craftsman didn't have a lifetime warrantied fabricated deck, a Kawasaki engine and a locking differential hydro drive. In fact I'll bet you'll be hard pressed to find any other lawn tractors, except the more expensive Cub Cadet series with deck choices that you can even get a fab deck on. It's your money, but I think you're looking at too cheap of mowers that you'll "burn up" in no time. Your call.